The Kogi State government has said it will address challenges associated with water supply to residents in some parts of Lokoja metropolis.
The Commissioner for Water Resources, Yahaya Farouk, stated this when he led his team on a monitoring and inspection exercise to assess ongoing efforts to restore water supply to most parts of the Lokoja metropolis.
The inspection took place in various locations, including Zone 8, Phase 2, and the Ganaja axis, where officials evaluated the progress of repairs and addressed concerns about leakages in the supply lines to homes in the communities.
Farouk, who expressed satisfaction with the level improvements in water distribution, stated that the team was able to address the causes of leakages, which has helped increase water pressure, adding that water supply now reaches areas like Phase 2 and Zone 8 parts of Lokoja, respectively.
According to him: “Today’s inspection has been largely satisfactory. We identified and addressed several leaks, which have helped increase water pressure. As a result, water now reaches areas like Phase 2 and Zone 8 Roundabout.”
He noted that while some leaks were on government pipelines, a majority of them were on service lines belonging to residents.
He encouraged affected residents to take responsibility for fixing their service lines, adding that many had already engaged plumbers to repair faulty connections.
“Some areas haven’t had water for a long time, so, understandably, pipes are weak. Fortunately, residents in places like Konguma Village and the Rehabilitation Center are taking proactive steps to fix their connections,” he added.
The commissioner reiterated that illegal tapping from the main water line continues to hinder supply in the Ganaja area and cautioned against such illegal activities by residents.
“We have repeatedly explained that those tapping water between Ganaja Village and Ganaja Junction are affecting the supply to other areas. The plan is to ration water supply fairly, but these illegal connections must be addressed first,” he said.
Similarly, KOGI State House of Assembly Member, representing Ajoakuta State Constituency member of the House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources, Jibrin Abu, also addressed journalists during the inspection, affirming that the government remains committed to ensuring sustainable water distribution in the state.
“I can tell you that the commissioner is working tirelessly. If you go around Lokoja, you will see evidence of ongoing work. Just in front of the old A Division, a pipe had to pass through the main road, and if you go towards Lokoja Club, you will see more signs of the work being done,” he said.
He further assured residents that improvements in water supply would extend beyond Lokoja to other local government areas, including Ajaokuta.
“This is not just about Lokoja. The commissioner is also working to ensure water reaches other parts of the state. In Ajaokuta, we are expecting him in no distant time. The people there will soon begin to feel the impact of these efforts,” he added.
Residents expressed appreciation for the restoration of water supply after years of disruptions in the supply situation.
They commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Commissioner for Water Resources for their commitment that has led to significant improvements in water supply connections to ensure sustained access to water supply in the state capital.
